CROWDS gathered at the Pier Head as the city marked Armed Forces Day and remembered the three Mersey soldiers killed in Afghanistan this week.

Civic dignitaries, veterans and serving soldiers came together in a celebration tinged with great sadness at the loss of Private Douglas Niall Halliday, 20, Private Alex Isaac, 20, both from Wirral, and Colour Sergeant Martyn Simon Horton, 34, from Runcorn.

They died on Wednesday alongside Lance Corporal David Andrew Ramsden, from Leeds, when their armoured vehicle crashed into a canal in Afghanistan.

The weekend’s event started on Saturday with a service at Liverpool Cathedral before veterans joined serving soldiers for a march along Hope Street to the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Lord Mayor Cllr Hazel Williams said: “I’m delighted that we are officially celebrating our wonderful servicemen and women, our cadets and veterans and acknowledging the commitment, dedication and skills of the armed forces.”

On both Saturday and Sunday the Pier Head hosted a special event highlighting the important relationship between the armed forces and Merchant Navy.

Marquees were set up and two World War II vehicles were on display, while the Band of the Parachute Regiment played.

Liverpool City Council leader, Cllr Joe Anderson said: “Liverpool has a long and proud tradition of honouring organisations and individuals that make a valuable commitment to this city. We are all immensely proud of the service our armed forces give and we should never underestimate their contribution during peacetime and military operations.”

Leader of the opposition, Cllr Warren Bradley said: “All our armed forces personnel work extremely hard. I believe as a city we should honour these highly-skilled, professional people and thank them for their bravery and help making our country a safer place.”